Identity theft is a crime involving the illegal use of another individual's identity, usually to gain access to that person's bank and/or credit card accounts. There are many different techniques used to obtain another individual's personal data for illegal use, including:

• "Dumpster Diving," ­ when garbage cans or a communal trash bin is rummaged through to obtain copies of checks, credit card or bank statements, or other records that typically bear sensitive information such as names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
• "Shoulder Surfing," when personal data is obtained through eavesdropping on public transactions.
• Retrieving or intercepting another's mail, most typically applications for "pre-approved" credit cards, which are subsequently activated without the knowledge of the individual.
• Stealing personal information in computer databases.
• "Phishing," when personal data is obtained by an individual impersonating a trusted organization in an e-mail.

With enough identifying information about an individual, that individual's identity can be assumed to conduct a wide range of crimes, such as: false applications for loans and credit cards, fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts, fraudulent use of telephone calling cards, or obtaining other goods or privileges that might be denied if the person assuming the identity were to use his or her real name.

Identity theft is a serious crime which has become more popular through the use of the Internet.  If you have been charged with identity theft, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will aggressively fight the charges against you.